Data collection
The primary source of data for this component of the study
was interviews with participating NPs. The interview contained
two components: a semi-structured format was used to
collect data relating to the NPs’ employment, education and
authorization experiences; in addition, the participants were
asked to describe a de-identified case that represented for that
participant an exemplar of NP service. In-depth interview
technique was used around this description to collect data on
the experiential dimensions of NP work. This resulted in data
of an in-depth examination of NP practice and reflections
on that practice. These interviews were audio recorded
and transcribed to produce text data.